Wikeless communication



March 9 292%;

W. S. FERDGN WIRELES S COMMUN C ATION Filsd August 8, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Patented Mar. 9, 1926- UNITED STATES WILLIAM SHAW FIERDON, OF OMAHA, NEBRASKA.

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION.

Application filed August 8, 1923. Serial No. 656,328.

To all fio/wm it may concern.'

Be it known that I, WILLLAM S. Faucon, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Omaha, in the county of Douglas and State of Nebraska, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in l/Vireless Communication, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to wireless communication.

By experiment I have found and discovered a new theory upon which the phenomena relating to communication by means of wireless telegraphy or wireless telephony may be based, and this theory may be referred to as the ionic theory vWith this theory I have found that magnetism, electrieity, static, aurora borealis, thunderclouds, cloud content and the like are inter.- related. I further find that the sun, light, and heat affect these phenomenal actions, that is magnetism, electricity, etc., as well as stellar action and planet movement; and that the present theory is applicable to all such phenomena and explains why said phenomena exists.

In connection with the above mattei' I make the following statements:

1. That all matter or substances contain ions or demi-ions.

2. That the proportion the different substances have of ionic matter varies; some containing demi-ions, others ions; said ions being nothing more than numerous demiions which gather together because they have an aiiinity for each other and forming an ion.

I have found a substance which is called a good electrical conductor is merely a material which is heavy in its ionic content. As is well known by those skilled in the art, electricity flows not only because of pressure but lbecause of ionic mevement; and therefore since under my theory electricity is nothing more than numerous ions it is explained why electricity will fio-w more readily through a substance heavy in ionic content, i. e., because there is less resistance to the flow of electricity in such substance. I further find that the earth is surrounded with a stratum or layer of ionized air and which layer is usually above the atmosphere which we breathe. This layer of air has lost its usual high insulating properties because it has become ionized. Ionization of the atmosphere briefly means or indicates that the particles of air have become so greatly saturated with ions that ionic movement takes place. This ionic movement takes place when the ions collect in large groups and these groups We call an electron or electricity. Further, it may be explained that the particles of air have become charged with electricity, some having assumed a positive potential and others being negatively charged. Under the present ionic theory the positive charge is ionic matter which saturates the outer surface of the molecules of air and the negative charge is likewise ionic matter which saturates the inside of the mo-lecules of air and thus in the first instance creating a pulling movement for the attraction of electrons and in the second case a pushing movement for the expansion of electrons.

These ions and demiions are infinitesimal, i. e., We can only detect them when they are in a large enough group to fo-rm an electron.

Assuming the above theory to be true the question arises as to what causes ionization of the ionized strata about the earth and a further question is what the effect of such strata of air has on electro-magnetic or radio Waves. It has been shown that the ionization has the effect of rendering the air slightly conductive to electric currents and we also know that the air under normal conditions is a perfect insulator. In fact, the air will be an insulator as long as the particles of air do not become saturated either internally or externally with ions or demi-ions, thus creating positive or negative electric charges in the atmosphere and surrounding the earth with al slightly conductive ionized layer or stratum of air. When the air is in its ionized condition the propagation of electric magnetic Waves utilized in wireless communication is somewhat retarded, in fact, the effect is approximately that of grounding the atmosphere, and thus a very small amount of wireless energy will be permitted to radiate a great distance from the source of supply or sending apparatus.

Experiment has shown that air becomes ionized when exposed to certain ionic action such as that due to X-rays, radium rays, ultra violet rays and the like. As, for instance, this is proven by an ordinary arc lamp and electroscope. If the arc lamp is placed near an electroscope which has `previously been charged the leaves of the electroscope will collapse. Now Kif an ordinary sheet of glass is interposed between the arc lamp and the electroscope the leaves will remain diverged, thus proving that the ultra-violet portions of the light from the are tend to ionize the air between the arc and electroscope, the glass serving to check this ionic flow.

N ow with the atmosphere surrounding the earth, the same becomes slightly ion ized during the day due to the power of the ultra-violet rays of the suns spectrum. The result is that the air becomes a conductor during the daylight hours caused by this ionization, and thus it is explained why radio waves travel further at night than in the day time. As night approaches on earth the lower layer of the atmosphere loses the influence of the suns ultraviolet rays and a process of de-ionization sets in for that portion of the atmosphere; or in view of that heretofore stated, it could be said a recombination of the positively7 and negatively charged particles takes place. The ionic flow no longer is present because the attraction of the ions for one another is not so great due to the lack of the suns rays and also for the reason that the molecules of matter are no longer expanded under the suns heat for releasingr their ionic content. This last named statement is illustrated by reference to a flower which is placed in a room, and as is well known during the night hours it will give forth a gas or perfume and during the daylight hours it will absorb gases. Consequently one might say that in day light hours air particles give forth ionic matter and absorb molecular matter, while at night these air particles become saturated with molecular matter and evenly proportioned with ionic content.

From that heretofore set out it may be stated that the lower air during the night hours becomes an excellent insulator of electricity and a good conductor of ions and will serve as a good radiator for ionic action not oHering any resistance and short circuiting of the ionic action. Consequently electro-magnetic impulses may be transmitted through radiation, counter-vibration and flow of ionic action a much greater distance at night than during the day.

Then radio waves pass through the ionized strata before referred to under certain conditions refraction as well as reflection takes place, which causes a third ionic force of such a degree that the same can be detected with a radio compass. This third force possibly accounts for many freak noises and phenomena experienced in wireless or radio communications.

Vith that` heretofore stated in mind, it may be stated that magnetism is nothing more than the movement or flow of ions or demi-ions through a cycle. These ions in the magnet, because of their movement, have an attraction or an affinity for other ions. As these magnetic ions travel in a cycle they cannot leave their path of fiow and the inert substance to be magnetized rushes to the magnet because the ions within this substance are attracted to the ions of the magnet.

Electricity is caused by the explosion of ionic groups. To explain further, whentwo magnetic fields in motion pass one another electricity is created. This is proven by the vacuum, magneto and similar means of creating electromotive force. In other words, two ionic fields in motion, when meeting, will combine like dust particles and cause an explosion of a larger group of ions. A storage battery or dry cell creates electricity when one group of ions under motion meets another group of ions, creating a third group of ions. These statements tend to explain that with one electric wave current in motion meeting another electric wave current in motion the same will create a third electric wave current of different pressure than either of the two electric wave currents first mentioned. Therefore, we may say that electricity is ionic action caused by the breaking up of an ionic cycle (magnetism) by a second ionic cycle, in which an explosion occurs creating a third group oaction which we term electricity.

If the above is correct, static electricity is caused by the movement of ions in a given body of substance, (remembering the statement that all matter contains ions) the breaking away of these ions from the molecules of said body or substance, and when they are released the affinity of one ionic group has for another ionic group causes the released ions to move or join the ions in :mother substance such as air, particularly if the potential is different, or, in other words, if there are more ions in the first substance than the other. The resultant ac tion or the rushing of these ions into the first substance tends to create friction as they travel, that is, friction with the molecules of matter, and when these ions meet, an explosion of an electric current is had, or, in other words, a third ionic group undermotion is formed at the time this explosion takes place. If the proportion of ionic matter is equal in both substances, that is, if the potential as referred to herein, is equal, no action will take place and in this way it is explained why static electricity is formed when a piece of woolen cloth is rubbed with certain metals.

Under the present ionic theory the rubbing of the wool creates friction or heat which loosens the molecules and releases their ionic or demi-ionic content.` The metal having a less content than the wool and the molecules of the metal being sturdier the ions in the wool try to reach the molectric ions in the metal, and the demi-ions in the atmosphere or air help this attraction. Some of the molecules are loosened in the metal, permitting some ions thereof to move. However, the number of ions moved in the metal is much less than those coming from the wool, that is, the potential of these two substances is different. The wool ions try to balance this potential. The wool and metal ions meet near to the metal and since there is no place for them to go they naturally explode, unite and create a third ionic force, namely, static electricity.

With respect to clouds as before referred to, it may be said that clouds are formed of water, dust and sediment which gather together because of their aiiinity. In all this matter are ions. When this matter becomes saturated and heated at the same time by the suns rays and friction the ionic matter therein becomes partly free from the molecules of matter to which they are attached. This last mentioned fact, that is, that ionic matter frees itself from molecules of matter when heated, is proven by a vacuum tube, In a tube having a cathode and a plate, if properly connected for sending electric current from the cathode to the plate, the cathode will become heated and, as known by those skilled in the art, the ions will be emitted from the cathode because the molecules of the cathode release these ions and these ions will pass through the vacuum to the plate until the plate becomes saturated therewith. This tends to show that upon heating a substance the same will emit ions. In a thunder cloud the same action takes place--the ground is the plate, the cloud the cathode and the atmosphere between the cloud and ground is somewhat similar to the vacuum within the tube. The heat from the sun releases the ions from their molecules of vmatter and as the potential of these ions are different from those on the ground they tend to neutralize or rush to the ground and in doing so they come in contact with ionic matter in the air, causing explosions to take place along the entire path of the ions when passing to the earth. When lightning strikes a tree it is because the ionic content in the tree is so light that the ionic lightning is offered a resistance and this ionic lightning tears at the molecules of the matter of which the tree is composed. However, if lightning strikes a substance of greater ionic content the damage will not be so great, and in order to prevent any damage -to the object being struck the same must have an ionic content or potential as great as that of the ions of lightning and thus the two will become neutralized.

It has been observed in the reception of wireless energy that during an electrical storm static electricity greatly interferes with the reception of signals. My experiments convince me that this so-called static electricity is nothing more than ionic movement. The air and ground, are composed of ions or demi-ions. l/Vhen, because of Vacuous conditions in the air at Some point, such as lightning, ionic discharge takes place, which is heard by the radio receiver and is known as static. It should be assumed that this air and ground tend to keep balance in their ratios of ionic content and that this ionic content, so to speak, is nearly inert, but not quite, it flowing in a cycle from north to south and to north. However, we may say that ions in the air and earth or demi-ions tend to keep their potentials balanced and that sudden changes in the potentials are probably the cause of noises heard in the reception of signals during wireless communication.

l/Vith respect to compass action, if a compass is placed upon a table it will point to what we call the magnetic pole, that is, north. On the ionic theory herewith advanced an ionic cycle creates magnetism. Therefore, we may assume that there is a flow of ions or demi-ions from the north pole, perhaps created from some strong ionic substance or generating means, which flows all through the air and through all material and matter in a southernly direction and completes the cycle by travelling perhaps through the earth back to its source and in this way all compass needles are magnetized and the flowing ions within the compass needle causes the needle to point in cycle with the fiowingions from the north pole. These flowing ions can be deviated from their path slightly by otheil flowing ions such as an ionic connection set up by the magnetic attraction of a mineral .field and thus drawing the flowing cycle of ions slightly off their course which will cause a deflecting of the compass needle.

It further may be here stated that because of 'vacuous and other conditions at the source of and in the path of the north and south ionic cycle the earth magnetic field thus created occasionally loses its potential or balalice becauseof explosion or overcharging of south and north ionic cycles of said magnetic field. These explosions or disturbances are known as the northern lights and actual observations show that these disturbances affect a compass, as well as telephonie, telegraphic and practically all classes of means employing ionic action.

From the foregoing the following may be stated: l

l. A flowing ionic cycle surrounding an object of heavy neutral ionic content creates pores in the molecules of matter. Any other object nearby will be drawn toward the first object because the ions in this latter object are not free of the molecules surrounding them and therefore car-ry the molecules of matter with them in their attempt to fill these por-es created by the ionic cycle. To now know this phenomena as magnetism.

2. A. flowing ionic cycle passing a second ionic cycle causes both ionic actions to be interrupted and further causes an explosion of ions which have greater force and which tend to form a third ionic cycle which we call electricity.

3. lons when released and set in motion meeting otl'ier ions of less potential or number create an explosion, unless there is a means to absorb the first named ions of greater potential. This explosion creates a new `group of ions which tend to travel in a cycle, which we term static electricity.

4. A vacuous condition tends to release ions.

5. Heat tends to release ions.

6. Light eects ionic action.

7. Dust and molecular matter tends to check ionic action, or in other words offer a resistance.

8. So called violet-rays, X-rays and the like are demi-ionic action, noticeable bccause of the vacuous conditions used in most instances to prevent ionic interference and to isolate these demi-ions.

The purpose of setting out in full my experiments and conclusions relative to this ionic theory is merely to support and explain my invention in wireless telegraphy or telephony.

The object of the present invention is to provide means whereby the ionic theory heretofore advanced may be utilized in wireless communications, that is, for either sending or receiving wireless signals.

Other objects will hereinafter appear.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view and partly in section showing a sending apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional View of the ionic radiator employed;

Figures 3 and 4 are views in side elevation showing modified forms of ionic radiator;

Figure 5 is a view in side elevation showing still another fornr of ionic radiator together with supporting means therefor;

Figure 6 is a sectional view in elevation and partly in diagram showing a portion of the sending apparatus;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the portion of the receiving apparatus;

Figure 8 is a sectional view showing in detail the vibrator and associated parts thereof which is employed in the portion of the receiving apparatus shown in Figure 7.

Referring to Figure 1, 10 indicates a support for a magnetic core 11 upon which there is carried a winding 12, said winding having its one end connected through a wire 13 with a Contact post 14, said post 14 being` supported by a stationary member 15. The contact post 14 is adjustable. The vibrator member 16 is provided which is anchored at its one end by a suitable binding screw 17 and this vibrator element carries an armature block 19 which is adapted to be influenced by the core 11. This vibrator 16 stands in close relation to the point 2O of the Contact post 14. The binding screw 17 is electrically connected through a wire 21 with a battery 22 or other suitable source of elec tromotive torce and this battery is also connected through a wire 23 with the remaining end of winding 12. The Contact screw or post 14 is further connected through a wire 24 with one end of the transformer winding 25, the other end of said transformer winding being connected to the one side of a condenser 26 through a Wire 27 and also to the similar end of the associated transformer coil 28. The remaining side of the condenser 26 is connected through the wire 30 with the binding screw 17.

rlhe transformer Winding 28 has its remaining end connected through a Wire 31 with a plate 32 disposed Within a vacuum tube 33. This tube may be of any desired material and preferably has its upper side formed with a flat face 34 extending longitudinally thereof above which and in closed relation` there is disposed a plate 35, said plate being metallic. The plate 32 is of a ribbon-like formation as shown and extends longitudinally of the tube 33. This plate is anchored within the one end of the tube 33 and the tube is sealed in order that a vacuum may exist within the interior thereof.

Referring to Figure 3, the tube and `metallic plate thereabove are of the same structure as that shown in Figures 1 and 2 and referred to by like reference characters.` However, in this instance the plate 36 is of less length and of slightly different shape, as shown.

Referring to Figure 4, the tube 37 is formed with a pair of protrusions 38 upon its upper side, each of which terminates at its outer end in a flat face 39 above which the metallic plate 35 is disposed. The plate 40 within the tube extends substantially the entire length thereof and is of a zig-zag formation. The plate perferably is made of ribbon metal or like material and extended through the one end of the tube 37 as shown at 41, and the tube should be exhausted and sealed about this extended portion ofthe plate in order to form a vacuum in the inte rior of the tube.

Referring to Figure 5, 42 indicates a pair of posts between which there is supported a metallic plate 48 and a tube 44. The tube and plate are supported between the posts 42 through suitable cables as shown and suitable insulators are interposed between the posts and the plate 43, and also between the posts and tube 44 whereby these diiferent members are insulated from one another'. The tube 44 has a plurality of upwardly extending protrusions 45, each of which is flat at its upper end and within the tube there is disposed an elongated plate 46 which has upwardly extending projections 47, one for each of the protrusions 45 and disposed in register therewith. From one end of the plate there is extended a suitable connecting member 48 and the tube. should be exhausted and scaled about the member 48 so as to provide a vacuum Within the interior of the tube.

In a machine as described and shown in Figure 1 the magnet including the coil 12 and core 11 operate in the ordinary way to make and break the circuit between the inn terruptcd member 16 and stationary contact member 14. The condenser 26 is bridged across the spark gap created and the current from the condenser is caused te surge back and therefore cross this gap and result in ionic action creating high current and voltage. The transformer including the two coils 25 and 28 serves to increasethe voltage of this current and this in turn will introduce static action on the outside of the tube 33 and this tube together with the metallic plate 35 will radiate ionic action which sets up other ionic actions in the manner heretofore described to operate the receiving apparatus to be later described.

The ionic radiating arrangements shown in Figure 3, 4 and 5 each operate in the same manner as that described for Figure 1 and the diii'erent modications are shown for the purpose of exemplifying the different constructions possible in an apparatus of this character.

Referring to Figure 6, 50 indicates generally a box or casing which is air-tight and adapted te form a vacuum chamber. At 51 there is indicated a telegraph sending key; at 52 an electric storage battery or other source of current supply which is connected through wire 53 with the key 51 and also connects with the terminal 54 of spark coil 55 through wire 54. At 56 there is indicated an electric current storage battery which is connected to ywire 57 with the key 51 and also connected with Wire 58 with the terminal 59 of the spark coil 55. The terminal 59 of the spark coil 55 is further connected through a wire 60 with a metallic post 61 carried by a support 62 of insulating material. The support 62 further carries a second metallic post 63 which is connected through a wire 64 withl a terminal 65 of the spark coil 55. A rod 67 is slidably supported by each post 61 and these rods may be adjusted by the set screws 68.

`With the apparatus shown in Figure 6 operating as a part of the receiving apparatus of the present invention the rods 67 are adj Listed so that the balls carried thereby may be brought in close relation and it will now be apparent that when the key 51 is operated that a circuit will be created which will cause the spark to jump between the two balls carried by the rods 67 and thus to emit electromagnetic force, or, in other words, an ionic force into the interior of the casing 50. With this occurringl there will occur an expansion of the electro-magnetic waves or ionic force within this box or cas ing 50. The boX should be made of insulating material and the ionic movement within the box will be carried through the walls thereof and into the surrounding atmosphere.

Referring to- Figures 7 and 8, 70 indicates an electric storage battery or other suitable source of electric current supply which has its one side or terminal connected through wires 71 and 72 to a telephone receiver 78. This battery has its remaining side conF nected through suitable wires 74 and 75 with one coil of an clectromagnet 77. This clectromagnct is further connected with a coherer 78, said coherer being further connected through a wire 79 with one side or terminal of an electric storage battery 80 and said storage battery has its other side or terminal connected through suitable wires 81 with the pivoted contact member 82. The contact member 82 is normally held from engagement with the electromagnet 77 by a suitable spring 83 and forward to the contact member there is positioned a pair of contacts 84 and 85 which are electrically connected to each other by a suitable wire 86 and the conta-ct member 85 is further connected through a wire 87 with the telephone receiver 73. Also the wire 72 should be connected through the wire 88 to the coherer 78.

In Figure 8, 89 indicates a suitable support for the electromagnet 77 and also for the contact members and 84 together with the pivoted member 82.

In the arrangement shown in Figures 7 and 8, it will be noted with the circuits shown and described currents of diderent polarity will flow through the magnets comprising the electromagnet 77 and thus repel the pivoted armature or strip 82. However, upon the voltage of either of these currents being varied this member 82 will move and come into contact with contact point 84 or contact point 85, with the result that a circuit will be established between the coherer or detector 78, the receiver 7 8 and the electromagnet 77. It will now be understood that the device shown in Figure 6 creates a weak electromagnetic force around the detector or coherer 7 8 and the electromagnet 77 and as is readily seen a second elec tromagnetic force will he created aboutI the electromagnet 77 which, in turn, Will create a third force in the electromagnets of said magnet and thus cause the armature or lever S2 to move and close the circuit with one ol t-he contacts 85 or 84;. Furthermore, this third current which has caused the electromagnet to respond will intiuence the receiver T3 suliirieutly so that signals can be heard. Other means, of course, may be employed '[or tui-ther amplifying these signals.

lVhile I have described and shown certain apparatus tor which my invention may be practiced, I wish it to be understood that I am not to be so limited as it is obvious that many other devices may be employed 'for obtaining the same advantages Without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

l. A transmitting antenna comprising a vacuous enclosure and an insulated plate only disposed within said enclosure, said plate being` adapted to be utilized for radiating high :frequency currents.

2. A transmitting device Ytor Wireless energy comprising a vacuous enclosure and a radiating` element only disposed Within the enclosure and adapted to be electrically conn nected with a high Yfrequency circuit from the exterior o't' said enclosure.

3. A transmitting antenna for wireless energy comprising a vacuous tube, a plate only extended therein and adapted to be connected to a source of high frequency current,

and a radiating member disposed adjacent to said tube for the purpose described.

t. A. transmitting antenna for wireless energy comprising a vacuous tube, an insulated plate only extended therein adapted to be connected to a source of high fre-:fluency cur rent, and a radiating member disposed adjacent and contiguous to said tube adapted for radiating high frequency currents, and flat surfaces upon the exterior of said tube and in a plane parallel With said radiating member.

5. An antenna for transmission ot Wire less energy comprising a vacuous tube, a corrugated plate only disposed within the tube, said plate being insulated from the tube and `tree with respect thereto and adapted to be connected to a source of higl'i frequency current.

6. An antenna for transmission of Wireless energy comprising` a Vacuous tube, a corrugated plate only disposed Within the tube, said plate being insulated from the tube and 'tree with respect thereto adapted to be connected to a source of high frequency current, and flat surfaces upon the exterior' ot the tube for the purpose described.

7. Au antenna for transmission of Wireless energy comprising a vacuons tube, a `corrugated plate only disposed Within the tube, said plate being insulated from the tube and l'ree with respect thereto and adapted to be connected to a source of high frequency current, and outward protrusions having Hat end surfaces formed upon the tube for the purpose described.`

WILLIAM SI-IAIV FERDON. 

